Software-Related Patents:
Singapore
copyright 1996 Donald M. Cameron , Aird & Berlis
Contents
Statutes
A new Singapore Patents Act came into effect on February 23, 1995. Singapore joined the
Paris Convention and the Patent Cooperation Treaty. The Singapore Patents Act 1994 was
based in part on the UK Patents Act.
Section 13(1) of the Singapore Patent Act, provides that a patentable invention must be
new, involve an inventive step, and be capable of industrial application. Section 13(2)
excludes from patentable subject matter, anything that which consists of:
a) a discovery, scientific theory or mathematical method;
b) a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work or any other aesthetic creation whatsoever;
c) a scheme, rule or method for performing a mental act, playing a game or doing business, or a program for a computer;
d) the presentation of information.
Such exclusion relates to a patent application relating to that subject matter "as
such".
Regulations
There are no guidelines in the Singapore Patent Office relating to computer related
inventions.
Case Law
There is no case law that deals specifically with the patentability of software.
Endnotes
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